Life support and microclimate integrated system and process

ABSTRACT

The present invention of one embodiment includes a combined microclimate, thermal management, life-support system for care of patient and system for measurement of vital signs. The system of one embodiment, provides active external heating and simultaneously provides active internal heating.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/297,725 filed Jan. 22, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/318,387 filed Mar. 28, 2010, which applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to portable systems and processes foremergency life-support and thermal regulation of patients from the pointof injury to hospital, and more particularly to portable systems andprocesses for emergency life-support and thermal regulation of patientsfrom point of injury to hospital in military operations.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Military medical personnel cite that greater than 20% of combatcasualties could be avoided if medical care was available at the pointof injury. The 3 primary front line medical needs they identify are (1)blood preservation by either preventing blood loss or making blood morereadily available, (2) treatment of hypothermia through internal (warmedoxygen inhalation) and external heating (heated garments, pad, blanketsor bags), (3) respiration therapy through oxygen treatment. Additionalresearch indicates that illness and disease can be managed by having anavailable means to reduce body temperature. Induced hypothermia researchis also now underway as a possible means to slow body metabolism to slowthe rate of blood loss.

In addition to the treatment of patients in cold conditions, there is aneed to maintain patients in a cool environment when patients that havesuffered from heat related casualties in extreme hot environments suchas, for example, the Iraqi desert in summer.

Existing technology employs individual hardware such as a heater, ablood refrigerator, an IV warmer, an oxygen supply system, an oxygenwarmer, and vital sign sensors and monitors. These technologies are notavailable to the first responder in one inclusive system. The collectionof these individual stand alone components take up a large space and areheavy, preventing it from being portable or effective for front lineresponders. These individual technologies are typically designed forhospital settings and not designed for use in the harsh environmentrequired by the military.

There exists a need for an integrated system that incorporates variouslife-support, patient monitoring and thermal regulating functions tocreate a desired microclimate for the patient. There is a need for sucha system that is lightweight, robust and compact which enables it to beused effectively by front-line medical responders. The present inventionaddresses one or more of these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a portable microclimate and life-supportsystem for care of a patient. The system is small enough and lightenough to be carried by one person. It is a stand alone unit thatprovides the ability to treat both therapeutically and prophylacticallyhypothermia and hyperthermia via a thermal regulated body covering thatis actively heated or cooled (depending upon the therapeutic orprophylactic treatment) by a thermal fluid supplied from themicroclimate and life support system. Generally, the system of thepresent invention measures and displays vital signs of a patientincluding body temperature, blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Inanother embodiment, the system measures and displays the temperature ofthe thermal fluid before it enters the thermal fluid passages of thebody covering and the oxygen temperature of the body.

An oxygen supply is provided to help prevent, protect against, or helpfacilitate recovery from hypoxia, hyperventilation or shock. Optionally,the oxygen supply is heated so that when a patient is treated forhypothermia, the oxygen supply can provide internal active heating tothe patient. The system of one embodiment of the present invention isconfigured to provide active heating, both internally and externally atthe same time. Such a treatment is believed to provide faster andimproved recovery from hypothermia.

Likewise, the oxygen supply can be cooled so that when a patient istreated for hyperthermia, the oxygen supply can provide internal activecooling to the patient. The system of one embodiment of the presentinvention is configured to provide active cooling, both internally andexternally at the same time. Such a treatment is believed to providefaster and improved recovery from hyperthermia. In one aspect of theinvention the oxygen unit is configured to reduce moisture loss frombreathing.

The present invention is lightweight, efficient and portable. In oneembodiment, the weight is a maximum of about 60 pounds, about 55 pounds,about 50 pounds, or about 45 pounds. The system is capable of deliveringexternal thermal fluid, delivering oxygen and displaying one or morevital signs for a period that is a minimum of about 1 hour, about 1.5hours, or about 2 hours. The present invention is capable of treatinghyperthermia in at ambient temperatures that are a minimum of 55 degreesFahrenheit and a maximum of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The presentinvention is capable of treating hyperthermia ambient temperatures thatare a minimum of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 95 degreesFahrenheit.

The patient is actively heated by a body covering that has one or morethermal conduits through witch a thermal fluid passes to actively heator cool the patient. To improve efficiency the thermal covering is madeof an elastic material and has fasteners—preferably around the proximityof the body covering such that the body covering better conforms to theuser's torso better than the prior art. This will provide closerproximity thermal contact between the cooling/heating fluid and theuser's torso or clothing—increasing thermal efficiency.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is a portablemicroclimate and life support system. The system comprises a portablehousing that houses therein (i) a heat exchanger configured to regulatethe temperature of a thermal fluid, (ii) an oxygen source, and (iii) oneor more vital sign displays. The heat exchanger has a thermal fluidoutlet port and a thermal fluid return port. The system also has a bodycovering (such as a blanket, a vest, or a bag that is configured to beplaced in covering contact with the patient. The body covering has oneor more thermal fluid passages to regulate the temperature of thepatient in thermal contact with the body covering. By thermal fluid itis meant a fluid that heats or cools in a fluid heating or coolingsystem. By oxygen source, it is meant a source of oxygen suitable forbreathing. The oxygen source may be ambient air. It may be ambient airwith enhanced amount of oxygen or it may be a purified oxygen sourcesuch as an oxygen tank or oxygen from an air scrubber. “Regulate thetemperature,” as used herein, means to heat or cool a body or object toa desired temperature. Body covering is a covering that providesinsulation to the body for the purpose of warming or cooling the body.

The system also comprises a thermal conduit in fluid communication withthe one or more thermal fluid passages of the body covering. The thermalconduit has a thermal fluid supply tube in fluid communication with thethermal fluid outlet port and a thermal fluid return tube in fluidcommunication with the thermal fluid inlet port. The thermal conduitforms a closed fluid loop for delivering thermal fluid from the heatexchanger to the one or more thermal fluid passages and returningthermal fluid from the one or more thermal fluid passages. Additionally,the system has an oxygen delivery interface and an oxygen deliveryconduit in fluid communication with the oxygen source. The oxygendelivery conduit is configured to deliver oxygen from the oxygendelivery source to the oxygen delivery interface.

Optionally, the system also has one or more vital sign measurementdevices selected from the group consisting of a patient temperaturesensor, a patient oximeter; a patient heart rate monitor (includingpulse monitors), wherein the one or more vital sign measurement devicesis in electromagnetic communication with the one or more vital signdisplays. By electromagnetic communication, it is meant that a sensor ormeasuring device provides an electric or electromagnetic signal to adisplay unit and/or its processor so that the desired signal can bedisplayed as a measurement. The portable system is capable of activelythermally regulating a patient, providing oxygen (including ambient air)and simultaneously measuring one or more vital signs.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is a method oftherapeutically or prophylactically treating a patient for hypothermiaand simultaneously therapeutically or prophylactically treating apatient for a condition selected from the group consisting ofhyperventilation, shock or hypoxia. The method comprising the providinga microclimate and life support system according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein. The patient is covered with a bodycovering comprising a plurality of thermal fluid passages. Heatedthermal fluid is delivered to a plurality of thermal fluid passages of abody covering thereby providing active external heat to the patient. Thepatient is fitted with an oxygen delivery interface in fluidcommunication with an oxygen source. Oxygen is delivered to the patientfrom the oxygen source to the respiratory system of the patient. One ormore vital signs of the patient are optionally measured.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is a method oftherapeutically or prophylactically treating a patient for hyperthermiaand simultaneously therapeutically or prophylactically treating apatient for a condition selected from the group consisting ofhyperventilation, shock or hypoxia. The method comprising the providinga microclimate and life support system according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein. The patient is covered with a bodycovering comprising a plurality of thermal fluid passages. Cooledthermal fluid is delivered to the plurality of thermal fluid passages ofa body covering thereby providing active external cooling to thepatient. The patient is fitted with an oxygen delivery interface influid communication with an oxygen source. Oxygen is delivered to thepatient from the oxygen source to the respiratory system of the patient.One or more vital signs of the patient are optionally measured.

In one embodiment, there is a portable microclimate and life-supportsystem for care of a patient. The system comprises a portable housingthat houses therein (i) a heat exchanger configured to regulate thetemperature of a thermal fluid and (ii) an oxygen source. The heatexchanger has a thermal fluid outlet port and a thermal fluid returnport. The system includes a body covering configured to be placed incovering contact with the patient having one or more thermal fluidpassages to regulate the temperature of the patient in thermal contactwith the body covering.

The system further includes a thermal conduit in fluid communicationwith the one or more thermal fluid passages of the body covering. Thethermal conduit has a thermal fluid supply tube in fluid communicationwith the thermal fluid outlet port and a thermal fluid return tube influid communication with the thermal fluid inlet port. The thermalconduit forms a closed fluid loop configured to deliver thermal fluidfrom the heat exchanger to the one or more thermal fluid passages andreturning thermal fluid from the one or more thermal fluid passages. Thesystem further includes an oxygen delivery interface and an oxygendelivery conduit having an oxygen heating source in thermalcommunication with at least a part of the length of the oxygen deliveryconduit. The oxygen thermal regulating source is configured to thermallyregulate the oxygen in the oxygen delivery conduit. In one embodiment,the oxygen thermal regulator is configured to heat the temperature ofoxygen to a temperature above the core temperature of the patient. Theoxygen delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the oxygendelivery source and is configured to deliver oxygen from the oxygendelivery source to the oxygen delivery interface. By oxygen deliveryinterface it is meant a device that interfaces with a patient's body toprovide oxygen or air.

In one embodiment there is a method of therapeutically orprophylactically treating a patient for hypothermia, and simultaneouslytherapeutically or prophylactically treating a patient for a conditionselected from the group consisting of hyperventilation, shock orhypoxia. The method comprising the steps of providing a microclimate andlife support system of one or more embodiments disclosed herein.According to one embodiment, a body covering having one or more thermalfluid passages is placed in covering contact with a patient. A heatedthermal fluid is delivered to the plurality of thermal fluid passages ofthe body covering thereby providing external active heat to the patient.The patient is fitted with an oxygen delivery interface and heatedoxygen from the oxygen source is delivered to provide active internalheat to the patient.

In one embodiment there is a method of therapeutically orprophylactically treating a patient for hyperthermia, and simultaneouslytherapeutically or prophylactically treating a patient for a conditionselected from the group consisting of hyperventilation, shock orhypoxia. The method comprising the steps of providing a microclimate andlife support system of one or more embodiments disclosed herein.According to one embodiment, a body covering having one or more thermalfluid passages is placed in covering contact with a patient. A cooledthermal fluid is delivered to the plurality of thermal fluid passages ofthe body covering thereby providing external active cooling to thepatient. The patient is fitted with an oxygen delivery interface. Cooledoxygen from the oxygen source is delivered to provide active internalcooling to the patient.

In one embodiment, the system optionally comprises a thermal fluidtemperature sensor configured to measure the thermal fluid temperatureprior to the thermal fluid entering the one or more thermal fluidpassages of the thermal cover, wherein the thermal fluid temperature isdisplayed in a thermal temperature display on the portable housing. Theinvention of one embodiment includes a method of treating a patient thatcomprises measuring the thermal fluid temperature prior to the thermalfluid entering the one or more thermal fluid passages and displaying thetemperature in a vital signs display. The method further includes thestep of adjusting the temperature of the thermal fluid in response tothe step of measuring the thermal fluid temperature.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises an oxygentemperature sensor configured to measure the oxygen temperature in orupstream from the oxygen delivery interface. The thermal fluidtemperature is displayed in a thermal temperature display on theportable housing. The invention of one embodiment includes a method oftreating a patient that comprises measuring the oxygen temperature in orupstream from the oxygen delivery interface and displaying thetemperature in a vital signs display. The method further includes thestep of adjusting the temperature of the oxygen in response to the stepof measuring the oxygen temperature.

In still another embodiment, the housing is capable of being carried byone person. Preferably the housing is capable of being carried on aperson's back. Optionally, the housing is capable of being mounted on ashock absorbing vehicle mount.

In one embodiment, the portable housing has a maximum weight of about 60pounds, about 55 pounds, about 50 pounds, or about 45 pounds. In anotherembodiment, the portable housing is a maximum of about 1.5 cubic feet,or about 1 cubic feet.

In yet another embodiment, the body covering is made of an elasticfabric material and further comprises fasteners configured to fasten thebody covering to the patient. The elastic material conforms itself tothe contour of the patient's body. In one preferred embodiment, thefastener is a velcro hook and loop fastener. The fasteners are attachedto the perimeter of the body covering.

In still another embodiment, the body covering is a blanket, a bag orclothing garment.

In yet another embodiment, the body covering further comprises amanifold in fluid communication with the thermal fluid passages of thebody covering. The manifold further comprising a thermal fluid inletport configured to connect with the thermal fluid supply tube and athermal fluid return port configured to connect with the thermal fluidreturn tube. The manifold further comprises one or more remote heatingoutlet ports and a remote heating return ports.

The system of one embodiment comprises one or more remote thermal loops.Each of the one or more thermal loops have a supply end and a returnend, wherein the supply end is in fluid communication with one of theremote thermal outlet port and the return end is in fluid communicationwith one of the remote thermal return ports. The remote thermal loopsare configured to deliver thermal fluid to a location on the patientthat is remote from the body covering. For example, the remote thermalloops are affixed, in one embodiment to heating pads. The remote thermalheating loops are configured to be placed in thermal contact with apatient's hands, arms, feet, legs and or head. In one embodiment, thereis a method that includes a step of heating one or more of a patient'shands, arms, feet, legs or head.

In one embodiment, the oxygen delivery interface is selected from thegroup comprising a respirator mask (such as a facial mask or a nasalmask) or a respirator tube (such as an oral breathing cannula or a nasalbreathing cannula). Optionally, the oxygen delivery interface has amoisture capture filter configured to trap moisture exhaled from thepatient and reintroduce moisture upon inhalation. Generally, themoisture capture filter is placed in a respirator mask.

In an embodiment, the oxygen delivery interface is in fluidcommunication with the oxygen delivery source by means of an oxygendelivery tube that is thermally regulated (ie, heated or cooled). In oneembodiment, the oxygen delivery tube is thermally regulated by thermalfluid. In another embodiment, the oxygen delivery tube is thermallyregulated in a heat exchange relationship with the heat exchanger. Inanother embodiment, the tube is heated by a heating element in heatexchange relationship with the oxygen delivery tube. There is also amethod that includes the step of thermally regulating oxygen in theoxygen delivery tube.

In one embodiment, the one or more vital sign devices include each of apatient body temperature sensor, a patient oximeter; a patient heartrate monitor. The invention optionally includes the step of thermallyregulating oxygen in the oxygen delivery tube.

In one embodiment, there is a portable microclimate and life-supportsystem for care of a plurality of patients, comprising a portablehousing that houses therein (i) a heat exchanger configured to regulatethe temperature of a thermal fluid, wherein the heat exchanger has aplurality of thermal fluid outlet ports and a plurality of thermal fluidreturn ports, (ii) an oxygen source, (iii) a plurality of display units,wherein each display unit has one or more vital sign displays. Thesystem further comprises a plurality of body coverings. Each bodycovering is configured to be placed in covering contact with one of theplurality of patients. Each body covering has a set of one or morethermal fluid passages to regulate the temperature of the patient inthermal contact with the each body covering.

The system further includes a plurality of thermal conduits. Each of thethermal fluid conduits is in fluid communication with one set of the oneor more thermal fluid passages of the body covering. Furthermore, eachof the thermal conduits have a thermal fluid supply tube in fluidcommunication with one of the thermal fluid outlet ports and a thermalfluid return tube in fluid communication with one of the thermal fluidinlet ports. Each of the thermal conduits form a closed fluid loopconfigured to deliver thermal fluid from the heat exchanger to acorresponding one or more thermal fluid passages and returning thermalfluid from the corresponding one or more thermal fluid passages.

The system further comprises a plurality of oxygen delivery interfacescorresponding to the plurality of patients. The system also includes aplurality of oxygen delivery conduits. Each of the plurality of oxygendelivery conduits are in fluid communication with an oxygen sourceconfigured to deliver oxygen from the oxygen delivery source tocorresponding oxygen delivery interfaces.

The system optionally comprises a plurality of sets of one or more vitalsign measurement devices selected from the group consisting of a patientbody temperature sensor, a patient oximeter; a patient heart ratemonitor, wherein the plurality of sets of one or more vital signmeasurement devices is in electromagnetic communication with theplurality of display units.

The present invention is described hereinafter in Detailed Descriptionof the Invention in reference to the drawings and examples, which areintended to teach, describe and exemplify one or more embodiments of theinvention and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a military medical oxygen thermal hybrid systemof one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a microclimate cooling garment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a microclimate cooling garment on auser.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a military medical oxygen thermalhybrid system of one embodiment installed on a mounting tray.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a military medical oxygen thermalhybrid system of one embodiment in man-portable mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a military medical oxygen thermal hybrid systemdeployed on a patient.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a microthermal unit refrigeration and heatingcircuit schematic.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a blanket according to one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a portable microclimate and life-supportsystem for care of a patient. In one embodiment, the system is referredto as a Medical Oxygen Thermal Hybrid System (“MOTHS”) or MilitaryMedical Oxygen Thermal Hybrid System (“MMOTHS”). These systems exemplifythe present invention and integrate thermal heating and coolingcapability with an oxygen supply (preferably a thermally regulatedoxygen supply) and a patient monitoring feedback display into one singleunit. MOTHS or MMOTHS and other systems of the present invention can beeither powered from the console of vehicle or aircraft or portable witha battery (rechargeable or disposable) for treatment for civilianmedical emergencies or US military combat casualty and trauma patientsawaiting medical evacuation to a hospital.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is a MMOTHS 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The MMOTHS 10 comprises a portablehousing 12 shown schematically with broken lines. The portable housinghouses a microclimate thermal unit. The microclimate thermal unitincludes a heat exchanger and a power source (both not shown in FIG. 1).The portable housing includes a control panel and feedback unit 16. Thecontrol panel and feedback unit 16 displays the temperature of thethermal fluid in response to user inputs. The control panel and feedbackunit 16 includes a display of patient's vital signs such as coretemperature, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate (or pulse). It alsoincludes without limitation the display of the temperature of oxygendelivered to the patient and the temperature of thermal fluid beforeentering the one or more thermal fluid passages (not shown in FIG. 1).The portable housing 12 also houses an oxygen tank 17 in one embodiment.The portable housing of one embodiment includes a place where a foldedor rolled thermal blanket 18 can be placed. As shown schematically inFIG. 1, the blanket 18 covers the torso 20 of a patient. The blanket hasa manifold 22. The manifold is in fluid communication with the heatexchanger of the MTU 14 via a thermal fluid supply tube 23 that deliversthermal fluid to the manifold 22 and a thermal fluid return tube 24 thatreturns thermal fluid from the manifold 22. Temperature of the thermalfluid in the thermal fluid supply tube is measured by a temperaturesensor or temperature probe 28. The temperature probe 28 is connected tothe control panel and feedback unit 16 via line 26. The manifold is influid communication with one or more thermal fluid passages (not shownin FIG. 1) within the blanket 18. The manifold 22 is also in fluidcommunication with remote thermal pads 30 and 32 that are suppliedthermal fluid by a fluid loop 34 and 36 respectively. Oxygen isdelivered from an oxygen delivery source (eg. oxygen tank 17) via anoxygen delivery conduit 38 to an oxygen delivery interface 44 (in oneembodiment a respiratory face mask). Here the oxygen delivery interfacefits over the face 46 (shown schematically). The temperature of theoxygen prior to delivery to the patient is measured by temperaturesensor 45 affixed to the oxygen delivery interface 44. The electricalsignal relating to the temperature sensor is communicated back to thecontrol panel and feedback unit 16 via line 48. The oxygen deliveryconduit 38 in one embodiment is heated by a heating coil 40 that coversat least a portion of the length of the oxygen delivery conduit 38.

The system of the present invention addresses the treatment orregulation of a patient's body temperature, the delivery of air oroxygen, and the regulation of one or more vital signs in an “all-in-one”system, and makes it available to the first responding medical personnelallowing them to treat or sustain life of the patient while awaitingtransportation to a hospital. The system is lightweight and compact.

Optionally, the present invention can be used in a prophylactic capacitymay include pilots, copilots, airmen or jumpers in extreme environments(hot, cold, high-altitude, or any combination thereof), alpine explorersand mountain climbers. Likewise, ground vehicle commanders, drivers, andcrewmen in extreme hot or cold environments could benefit from using thesystem of the present invention. Prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermiaand hypoxia will enhance the US war fighter's alertness, help preventfatigue, and ultimately increase mission effectiveness.

The users of one or more systems of the present invention including aMOTHS or a MMOTHS fall into the treatment category may likely includecivilian or US military heat stress (hyperthermia) casualties. Thiscould benefit patients awaiting transport to a hospital via ambulance oraerial medical evacuation. Hyperthermia is a well known and documentedproblem in hot climates. The system of the present invention alsofeatures the ability to treat hypothermia (cold stress), as well asprovide warmed inhaled medical oxygen. Alternatively it can providewarmed air or an oxygen-air mixture with an additional accessory.

Heating the inhaled oxygen or oxygen-air mixture provides heat to theuser's torso internally. The system of the present invention can alsoprovide simultaneous heating to the user's torso externally, by means ofa liquid-circulating thermal blanket with localized thermal padcapability, which can be placed on extremities at the user's discretion.Heating of the torso can be more effective if performed by simultaneousexternal active temperature regulation (with a heating or coolingblanket) and internal temperature regulation (inhalation of temperatureregulated gas. Cooling of the torso can also be performed in a similarmanner utilizing the liquid-circulating thermal blanket with localizedthermal pads. The pads house one or more thermal fluid passages that arein a heat exchange relationship with the surface of the pads. A thermalfluid is circulated through the thermal fluid passages in the pads toprovide thermal regulation to objects that are placed in a heat exchangerelationship with the thermal pads.

The system of the present invention has cooling capabilities that canoptionally be utilized to keep blood bags, IV bags, drinking water, orother fluids chilled for transport in hot environments. In oneembodiment, a thermal chamber is constructed with a remote thermal fluidloop that comprises one or more thermal fluid passages that are placedinside the thermal regulation chamber. The thermal fluid passagescirculate thermal fluid in a heat exchange relationship with the matterinside the thermal chamber. In one embodiment, the thermal chamber isinsulated and the thermal fluid passages align the inside of the thermalchamber. In one embodiment, the thermal regulation chamber is a foaminsulated box such as a beverage cooler or the like.

In one embodiment, there is a method of cooling the content of a thermalregulation chamber by circulating thermal fluid that is cooler than thetemperature inside the thermal regulation chamber. Blood bags, IV bags,drinking water or other fluids can be chilled for transportation in hotenvironments. Prior to infusion of a fluid into a patient such as bloodor IV fluid, these fluids can be heated by passing a thermal fluid thatis a temperature greater than the temperature of the infusionfluid—preferably the temperature of the fluid is heated close to bodytemperature prior to infusion.

In addition to treatment of patients in cold conditions, the coolingcapabilities of the system according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention can be employed to treat heat stress casualties byproviding a cooled garment or blanket to patients in extreme hotenvironments such as, for example, the Iraqi or Afghan deserts in thesummer.

In one embodiment, the system of one embodiment of the present invention(including a MOTHS or MMOTHS) provides the following capabilities: (a)heat stress relief, prevention of, or treatment of hyperthermia, tocivilian or military personnel operating aircraft or ground vehicles, topassengers in aircraft or ground vehicles, or to dismounted personnel inhot environments; microclimate cooling to the user's torso externally bymeans of a cooling blanket, cooling pads, and/or cooling garments, whichare worn or placed against or near the skin.

In MOTHS, the MTU is compatible with the existing US Army MicroclimateCooling Garment (MCG), such as NSN 8415-01-508-1512, fielded en masse onrotorcraft and ground vehicles. With reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B,there is a vest 50 to cover the torso of a person 52 which in oneembodiment is a patient. The vest has a front side 54 and a back side55. The vest has one or more plurality of thermal fluid passages 58mounted to the inside of the vest 50 on both the front side 54 and theback side 55 of the vest. The thermal fluid passages 58 are in fluidcommunication with the thermal conduit 56 of the vest 50. The thermalconduit having a thermal supply line and a thermal return linerespectively connect to the inlet port and outlet port of the heatexchanger. The vest 50 is secured to the wearer 52 by shoulder straps 60strapped between the neck 64 and the arms 62 of the wearer 52. A cheststrap 66 fastens the front side 54 and the back side 55 under the arm62. Waist straps 68 secure the vest 50 at the waist of the wearer 52.

MOTHS is designed to be fully compatible with existing and fielded USArmy and US Marine mounting trays. As shown with reference to FIG. 3A,the portable housing 70 shows a protective exterior shell 72 for housingseveral components of the system of the present invention. The portablehousing 70 has a handle 74 at the top. Optionally, backpack straps canbe attached to one side of the MOTHS so that the device can be carriedon the back. The portable housing 72 has a base 76. Optionally, the baseis mounted on a mounting tray 78. Supported by the base 76 is themicroclimate thermal unit 77 that contains the heat exchanger (notvisible in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The heat exchanger is in fluidcommunication with a thermal fluid outlet port 80 (a thermal fluidsupply) and a thermal fluid return port 82 (thermal fluid return). Atemperature adjustment knob 90 is mounted to the portable housing 70.There is a connector 92 for main power. There is also a control/feedbackdisplay 94 that displays the one or more vital measurements of thepatient such as core temperature, blood oxygen levels, heart rate (ie.pulse). The display is configured to optionally display the temperatureof the thermal fluid in the thermal fluid supply line and thetemperature of the oxygen.

The housing has a compartment for storing a body covering 96.Preferably, the body covering is a blanket that is rolled or folded intoa compact size and placed in a hermetically sealed package. The housingalso has a compartment for an oxygen supply 98. As shown, the oxygensupply 98 is an oxygen tank.

With reference to FIG. 4. The system of the present invention is shownin use by a medical personnel 101 treating a patient 99. The systemcomprises a portable housing 100 having a microclimate thermal unit 102comprising a heat exchanger. Thermal fluid is supplied to a manifold 108along thermal fluid conduit 104. The thermal fluid conduit 104 has athermal fluid supply line 103 and thermal fluid return line 105. Themanifold is in fluid communication with one or more thermal fluidpassages that are affixed to the underside of the body covering 106 andsupply thermal fluid to the patient for regulation of temperature. Themanifold 108 is in fluid communication with a remote thermal loops 111that deliver thermal fluid to remote thermal pads 110 for heating limbsand extremities of a patient such as hands, arms, feet, legs and head.Oxygen is delivered from an oxygen source 113 to an oxygen deliveryinterface 112 such as an oxygen delivery mask via an oxygen supply tube115. The oxygen supply tube has a secondary oxygen warming sleeve 114. Aheating coil in one embodiment heats the oxygen supply tube 115 underthe secondary oxygen warming sleeve 114. Oxygen is deliveredsimultaneously as thermal fluid is delivered to regulate the temperatureof a patient. In one embodiment warm thermal fluid is delivered in aheat exchange manner to the exterior of the patient to provide externalactive heating. Warmed oxygen is delivered to the respiratory system toprovide internal active heating. When both occurs at the same time,recovery from hypothermia is more rapid.

One of the benefits of the present invention is preventing cold stressrelief, prevention of, or treatment of hypothermia, to civilian ormilitary personnel operating aircraft or ground vehicles, to passengersin aircraft or ground vehicles, or to dismounted personnel in coldenvironments.

The present invention features the ability to provide microclimateheating to the user's torso, both internally, through inhaled oxygen,air, or oxygen-air mixture, and also simultaneously externally, by meansof a cooling blanket, cooling pads, and/or cooling garments, which areworn or placed against or near the skin. In one embodiment, the user hascontrol over the temperature of the thermal fluid. The temperature canbe adjusted to heat or cool slowly or rapidly at the discretion of themedical personnel.

In one embodiment the oxygen source comprises a compact pressurizedoxygen storage vessel. The oxygen source can be a standard existingoxygen-generating equipment (OBOGS) or standard oxygen pressurizedvessels.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a MOTHS that includes athermal blanket and thermal pads/inserts.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the user withmonitoring, feedback and control capabilities. These can be used asphysiological monitors for a patient, as feedback for user control, orto monitor and control the temperature of stored blood bags, IV bags ordrinking water during transport. Control capabilities include theability to increase or decrease the temperature of the thermal fluid andwarm the breathing oxygen. Sensors with feedback include a pulseoximeter, inhaled oxygen temperature sensor or probe, an oxygen storagevessel pressure, a body temperature sensor or probe, a thermal fluidsupply temperature sensor or probe.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for thermalregulation of a patient and providing oxygen delivery referred to in oneembodiment as a MOTHS. MOTHS consists of the following integratedsub-systems: a microclimate thermal unit (MTU); a snug-fittingMicroclimate Thermal Blanket (MTB) with integrated thermal pads; aninsulated umbilical which connects the MTU with the MTB, by means of amanifold and liquid quick disconnect (LQDC); a pressurized oxygenstorage vessel as an oxygen source; a regulated breathing ventilator(mask); an insulated umbilical which connects the oxygen storage vesselto the oxygen delivery mask, and features the ability to heat theinhaled gas; a control and feedback monitor that displays the vitalsigns of the patient.

MOTHS, one embodiment, is designed to be compatible with US ArmyMicroclimate Cooling Garment (MCG) NSN 8415-01-508-1512; US Armymounting trays, such as P/N LSF00238-001; Standard existing oxygengenerating equipment (OBOGS); standard existing oxygen or breathing airpressurized vessels; heat exchanger for blood bag, IV-bag, or drinkingwater cooling or heating.

The microclimate thermal unit 120 utilizes an optimized vaporcompression cooling cycle to cool a thermal fluid (a water/propyleneglycol mixture). The system is described with reference to FIG. 5. Inheating mode, a heater in the heat exchanger 122 is affixed to thecondenser coils 136 converts electrical power into heat. The heater'scoils are in close proximity with heat exchanger 122. The heat exchanger122 warms the thermal fluid in the water/propylene glycol thermal fluidloop 124. The cooling circuit 126 utilizes refrigerant (R134a) in astandard vapor compression refrigeration cycle. A ruggedized,semi-hermetic, reciprocating piston type compressor 128 is utilized tocompress the refrigerant vapor, increasing its pressure and temperature.The compressed refrigerant then passes through a condenser 130, whereheat is removed and discharged to ambient surroundings by means of a fan132 within the MTU. As heat is removed, the refrigerant experiences adecrease in temperature, causing it to condense into a liquid. Thisliquid remains at high pressure as it exits the condenser. It thenpasses through a filter/drier 133 and then through an expansion valve134, flowing through a restriction (orifice) which causes a pressuredrop and partial phase change of the refrigerant. Exiting the valve, therefrigerant is now a two phase mixture (vapor and liquid), which has asubstantially reduced pressure and temperature. It is the boiling(evaporation) of this cold liquid phase which provides the majority ofthe system's cooling capability (a lesser amount is provided by the coldvapor phase as well). The last stop in the refrigeration loop before theprocess begins again at the compressor is the evaporator 136. As itsname implies, this is where the evaporation of the cold liquid phase ofthe refrigerant takes place. The evaporator is part of the heatexchanger 122 in which the heat of the thermal fluid from the user'sthermal blanket is transferred into the cold refrigerant. This resultsin a temperature drop of the thermal fluid, hence providing cooling ofthe fluid before it is circulated back to the user (a water pump 138within the MTU circulates the thermal fluid to and from the user in acontinuous manner). The thermal fluid passes through thermal fluidoutlet port 140 and returns through a thermal fluid return port 142

In heating mode, the MTU receives an electrical signal from the user,turning off the compressor and fan, leaving only the water pump on. Thepower previously consumed by the fan and compressor (for refrigeration)is now diverted to a resistive electrical element for heating (not shownin FIG. 5). The resistive heating element is in close contact with theevaporator 136 of the heat exchanger 122 underneath the insulation. Heatis transferred into the thermal fluid, causing a rise in temperature.Dual sensors 144 and 146 monitor temperatures within the system toprevent scalding the user. The MTU features a controller, with built-inlogic, control and test capabilities. It also has other usefulfunctions, including power consumption optimization to maximize batterylife in MOTHS portable mode. The MTU also provides automated thermalsafety limits.

In either heating or cooling mode, the MTU pumps the heated or cooledthermal fluid through an insulated umbilical to the user. A manifold isutilized for this purpose which has multiple ports for plugging inaccessories. These accessories include thermal blankets, thermal bags,hot or cold packs, or thermal garments. There is also an optionaladditional accessory available to cool or warm blood bags, IV bags,medicine, or drinking water supplies for transport.

The insulated umbilical features a bypass with a pressure-activatedcheck valve. This allows the user to pre-cool the thermal fluid presentin the in the system prior to hooking up to the system. When the systemis turned on without a user being connected, the bypass allows thethermal fluid to circulate and get cool. The user then simply connectsby means of a liquid quick disconnect (LQDC) after a few minutes. Thethermal fluid solution circulates through the umbilical to the user asillustrated in FIG. 4. The thermal blanket or garment is worn by theuser on the torso to either remove excess metabolic heat, or to warm, aspreviously described.

The MTU can operate in cooling mode and provide cooling in environmentswith ambient temperatures ranging from 55° F. to 150° F., whilesimultaneously surviving prolonged exposure to the high vibrationstypical of military helicopters and military tracked vehicles. Thesystem nominally provides 350 Watts of cooling at an ambient airtemperature of 125° F. Similarly, the MTU can operate in heating modeand provide heating in environments with ambient temperatures rangingfrom 0° F. to 95° F. The system is designed to nominally provide 250Watts of heating at 0° F. to the thermal fluid, and 100 Watts of heatingto the inhaled gas.

Integrated into MOTHS is an oxygen supply system consisting of apressurized oxygen vessel, a valve, regulator, hose and medical mask.The oxygen can be heated as well, by means of resistive heating usingelectrical power. In this manner, warm oxygen can be provided to theuser or patient.

MOTHS utilizes a compact pressurized (2100 psig) oxygen vessel which isapproximately 1 liter in volume. MOTHS is designed to also be compatiblewith larger pressurized oxygen vessels and OBOGS systems which may bepresent on certain aircraft, vehicles, MEDEVACS and ambulances. Anadapter is needed for connection with these devices.

Physiological oxygen need is dependent on altitude and breathing rate. Afull MOTHS oxygen bottle is designed to have a duration of approximatelyone hour for a patient needing typical supplemental medical oxygen flowat sea level (at an oxygen flow rate of 2.5 LPM). Duration is dependenton flow rate. For example, at a light supplemental medical oxygenconsumption rate of 0.5 LPM, the duration would be 5 hrs. Likewise,higher flow rates will shorten the duration.

The oxygen delivery mask of one embodiment is a common medical typefacemask. The mask is held in place by a lightweight elastic headband,which allows the mask to be removed quickly. The mask is a deliverydevice that supplies oxygen from the pressurized storage vessel to theuser's lungs. It allows approximately 40% oxygen to be delivered to theuser, and is intended to be used in conditions where a person cannotbreath on his own, or else cannot draw sufficient amounts of oxygen intohis lungs.

An insulated umbilical transports the oxygen to the user's mask.Underneath the insulation is a resistive heating element which utilizeselectrical power to warm the oxygen if so desired by the user. This canbe turned ON or OFF by the user.

An additional accessory is available which can be utilized to drawambient air into the oxygen stream, resulting in an oxygen-air mixture.Alternatively, the user can choose to draw in only ambient air (withoutsupplemental oxygen). The user can then warm the inhaled gas if desired.

A user control/patient monitoring and feedback unit is integrated intoMOTHS. The unit is connected to sensors which monitor and give feedbackof key vital signs. This provides the means to monitor and regulate thetemperature of the thermal fluid, to turn on or off the heating of theinhaled gas, to monitor and regulate the temperature of the inhaled gas,to monitor the patient's pulse-ox, and to monitor the patient's bodytemperature.

The unit is designed to operate on aircraft or vehicle-supplied 28 VDCpower, or alternatively on 24 VDC battery-supplied power. The unit isdesigned to meet all of the requirements of MIL-STD-704 (aircraft powerrequirements) as well as MIL-STD-1275 (ground vehicle powerrequirements) and as such can withstand the associated power and voltagefluctuations and variances.

MOTHS is designed to operate under vehicle or aircraft supplied powersupplied at 28 VDC, or alternatively at 24 VDC under battery power whenused in man-portable mode.

For vehicular or airborne use or transport, MOTHS is easily installed byhand into a mounting tray which is hard-mounted to the vehicle oraircraft platform. A power cable supplies aircraft or vehicle powerwhile the battery pack recharges. See FIG. 3A. Using this approach, themounting tray and power cable are secured to the airframe or vehicleplatform and considered ‘A-Kit’ hardware, while the MOTHS could beconsidered removable ‘B-Kit’ hardware. The US Army and US Marines oftenutilize such an approach.

For man-portable mode, the aircraft or vehicle power cable isdisconnected, and the battery cable is connected in its place. The MOTHSthen disconnects easily by hand in seconds from its mounting tray. SeeFIG. 3B.

To utilize MOTHS heating or cooling capabilities, the user simply turnsit on in the desired mode (HEAT or COOL), and then connects the LiquidQuick Disconnect Connector (LQDC) fitting on his thermal blanket orthermal garment to the mating LQDC on the insulated umbilical on theMOTHS. The LQDC chosen for MOTHS is a proven design which facilitatesemergency egress with a moderate breakaway force. If the user needs toexit the aircraft or vehicle quickly, the umbilical will detach at theLQDC with an applied pull force of 7-20 lbs without having to press thedisconnect button. The LQDC complies with US Army PerformanceSpecification AVNS-PRF-10174, has been qualified by the US Army.

As previously described, the thermal fluid may be pre-cooled orpre-warmed by turning on the system and letting it run for a few minutesprior to the user connection being made. A bypass check valve within theumbilical makes this possible. Once the user is connected to the MOTHSand receiving either warmed or cooled thermal fluid to his blanket orgarment, he may start to feel too cold or too hot. This, of course, willdepend on ambient environmental conditions and the patient's ownmetabolic heat generation rate. If this does occur, the user canincrease or turn down the heating or cooling effect by simply adjustinga control knob.

If the user needs oxygen, the oxygen can be delivered under heatedconditions as well by simply switching on the OXYGEN HEAT mode on MOTHSControl and Feedback Display unit.

The Control and Feedback Display unit provides readouts (feedback) fromthe body temperature sensor, the pulse-ox sensor, the supply thermalfluid temperature, and the oxygen temperature sensor. Thermal safetylimits are built in to MOTHS to prevent scalding thermal fluid or oxygenwhich is too hot to inhale. However, other than these built in safetylimits, it is at the user's discretion to control the thermal fluid andoxygen temperatures.

With reference to FIG. 6, a body covering of one embodiment isdescribed. The body covering is blanket assembly 160 that is made of ablanket 162 that is of woven or nonwoven fabric. The blanket 162 ispreferably somewhat elastic. The elasticity helps the blanket 162conform closely to the patient's shape. In one embodiment, the blanket162 is made of cotton-polyester blend. Another embodiment features aNomex-PBI blended material. The more snug the fit between the patientand the blanket, the more efficient the thermal regulation. Thus, theblanket design is key to efficient operation of the system of thepresent invention.

The blanket assembly 160 comprises a manifold 164 having a plurality ofinlet and outlet ports 166. One or more fluid passages 168 are attachedto one or more pairs of inlet and outlet ports 166. In one embodiment,there are a minimum of six inlet ports and six outlet ports. In anotherembodiment, there are preferably ten inlet ports and ten outlet ports.The fluid passages 168 are flexible tubes that are laid out in closeproximity to maximize the surface area of the blanket that is covered bythe one or more fluid passages 168. The tubes need to be pliable andhave favorable thermal conductivity properties.

In one embodiment, the tubes forming the fluid passages 168 are made ofpolyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. In one embodiment, the outer diameterof the fluid passages is a minimum of 3/32 inch and a maximum of ⅛ inch,preferably an outer diameter of 5/32 inch. The space between the fluidpassages is a maximum of ½ inch. In one embodiment, it is advantageousto fold the blanket into a compact package and hermetically seal theblanket. Therefore, having a single fold line 174 medial to the blanketand rolling the blanket after the single fold will minimize kinking whenthe tubes are oriented at an angle that is less than 60 degrees from thefold line 174, preferably less than 45 degrees from the fold line 174and most preferably at 30 degrees from the fold line. The blanket can befolded and the individual tubes will twist upon folding rather than bendor kink.

The manifold of one embodiment has a plurality of remote thermal loops178. The remote thermal loops 178 deliver thermal fluid to the extremityof the loop. In one embodiment, the loop is attached to a remote thermalpad that is configured to heat limbs or extremities of a patient such asfeet, legs, arms, hands or head.

Medical Oxygen Thermal Hybrid System consists of seven primary parts—themicroclimate Thermal Unit (MTU), the umbilical, the manifold, thethermal accessories, an oxygen supply system, an oxygen warmer, and acontrol/feedback monitor.

The MTU uses a basic vapor compression cycle which produces a coolingeffect of the coolant fluid (a water/propylene glycol mixture). The MTUpumps the cooled fluid through an umbilical to a manifold which hasmultiple ports for plugging in accessories. These accessories includethermal blankets, thermal bags, cold packs, thermal garments, or aninsulated chamber to be used for cooling, storing and preserving IVbags, blood, medicines, etc. The heating may alternatively be generatedby electrical coil.

Integrated into the MOTHS unit is an oxygen supply system consisting ofan oxygen tank, valve, regulator, hose and mask. The oxygen can bewarmed through use of either the warm coolant or through an electriccoil to provide warmed oxygen to the patient.

The control/feedback unit is integrated into the MOTHS unit as a meansto regulate the temperature of the cooling fluid. The controllercontains sensors to monitor and report critical vital signs includingoxygen concentration, oxygen temperature and body temperature.

The thermal accessories are yet to be developed, but are based in theoryand practice on the MCU cooling garment.

MOTHS provides vehicle mounted or man portable heating, cooling, andoxygen source for combat casualty and trauma patients with a patientmonitoring display in a single self contained unit.

MOTHS will utilize MTU technology which is similar to the microclimatecooling unit (“MCU”) of which over 18,000 MCU units that have beenfielded in ground vehicles and aircraft to date, but with the additionalheating feature and with additional thermal accessories.

MOTHS, optionally, utilizes oxygen life support systems that are knownin commercial and military aircraft, space vessels, and optionally aparachutist high altitude oxygen system (PHAOS).

The umbilical includes and improves upon MCU umbilical technology thatis known in the art.

1. A portable microclimate and life-support system for care of apatient, comprising: a portable housing that houses therein (i) a heatexchanger configured to regulate the temperature of a thermal fluid,wherein the heat exchanger has a thermal fluid outlet port and a thermalfluid return port, (ii) an oxygen source, (iii) one or more vital signdisplays; a body covering configured to be placed in covering contactwith the patient having one or more thermal fluid passages to regulatethe temperature of the patient in thermal contact with the bodycovering; a thermal conduit in fluid communication with the one or morethermal fluid passages of the body covering, the thermal conduit havinga thermal fluid supply tube in fluid communication with the thermalfluid outlet port and a thermal fluid return tube in fluid communicationwith the thermal fluid inlet port, wherein the thermal conduit forms aclosed fluid loop for delivering thermal fluid from the heat exchangerto the one or more thermal fluid passages and returning thermal fluidfrom the one or more thermal fluid passages; and an oxygen deliveryinterface; an oxygen delivery conduit in fluid communication with theoxygen source configured to deliver oxygen from the oxygen deliverysource to the oxygen delivery interface; and one or more vital signmeasurement devices selected from the group consisting of a patient bodytemperature sensor, a patient oximeter; a patient heart rate monitor,wherein the one or more vital sign measurement devices is inelectromagnetic communication with the one or more vital sign displays.2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a thermal fluid temperaturesensor configured to measure the thermal fluid temperature prior to thethermal fluid entering the one or more thermal fluid passages of thethermal cover, wherein the thermal fluid temperature is displayed in athermal temperature display on the portable housing.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, further comprising an oxygen temperature sensor configured tomeasure the oxygen temperature in or upstream from the oxygen deliveryinterface entering the one or more fluid passages, wherein the thermalfluid temperature is displayed in a thermal temperature display on theportable housing.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing iscapable of being carried by one person.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the housing is capable of being carried on a person's back. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the housing has a vehicle mount.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the portable housing has a maximum weight ofabout 60 pounds.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable housingis less than 1.5 cubic feet.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the bodycovering is made of an elastic fabric material and further comprisesfasteners configured to fasten the body covering to the patient. Theelastic material conforms itself to the contour of the patient's body.In one preferred embodiment, the fastener is a velcro hook and loopfastener
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the body covering is ablanket, a bag or clothing garment.
 11. The system of claim 1, whereinthe body covering further comprises: a manifold in fluid communicationwith the thermal fluid passages of the body covering, the manifoldfurther comprising a thermal fluid inlet port configured to connect withthe thermal fluid supply tube, a thermal fluid return port configured toconnect with the thermal fluid return tube, one or more remote heatingoutlet ports and a remote heating return ports; one or more remotethermal heaters loops, wherein each of the one or more thermal heaterloops have a supply end and a return end, wherein the supply end is influid communication with one of the remote heating outlet port and thereturn end is in fluid communication with one of the remote heatingreturn ports.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen deliveryinterface is selected from the group comprising a respirator mask or arespirator tube.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen deliveryinterface has a moisture capture filter configured to trap moistureexhaled from the patient and reintroduce moisture upon inhalation. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygen delivery interface is in fluidcommunication with the oxygen delivery source by means of an oxygendelivery tube that is heated.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein theoxygen delivery tube is heated by an electric coil.
 16. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more vital sign devices include each of apatient body temperature sensor, a patient oximeter; a patient heartrate monitor.
 17. A portable microclimate and life-support system forcare of a plurality of patients, comprising: a portable housing thathouses therein (i) a heat exchanger configured to regulate thetemperature of a thermal fluid, wherein the heat exchanger has aplurality of thermal fluid outlet ports and a plurality of thermal fluidreturn ports, (ii) an oxygen source, (iii) a plurality of display units,wherein each display unit has one or more vital sign displays; aplurality of body coverings, wherein each body covering is configured tobe placed in covering contact with one of the plurality of patients,wherein each body covering has a set of one or more thermal fluidpassages to regulate the temperature of the patient in thermal contactwith the each body covering; a plurality of thermal conduits, whereineach of the thermal fluid conduits are in fluid communication with oneset of the one or more thermal fluid passages of the body covering,wherein each of the thermal conduits have a thermal fluid supply tube influid communication with one of the thermal fluid outlet ports and athermal fluid return tube in fluid communication with one of the thermalfluid inlet ports, wherein each of the thermal conduits form a closedfluid loop configured to deliver thermal fluid from the heat exchangerto a corresponding one or more thermal fluid passages and returningthermal fluid from the corresponding one or more thermal fluid passages;and a plurality of oxygen delivery interfaces corresponding to theplurality of patients; a plurality of oxygen delivery conduits, whereineach of the plurality of oxygen delivery conduits are in fluidcommunication with the oxygen source configured to deliver oxygen fromthe oxygen delivery source to corresponding the oxygen deliveryinterfaces; and a plurality of sets of one or more vital signmeasurement devices selected from the group consisting of a patient bodytemperature sensor, a patient oximeter; a patient heart rate monitor,wherein the plurality of sets of one or more vital sign measurementdevices is in electromagnetic communication with the plurality ofdisplay units.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein is at least in partoxygen from ambient air.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the oxygensource is at least in part from an oxygen air tank.
 20. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the oxygen source is at least in part from an airscrubber.
 21. A method of therapeutically or prophylactically treating apatient for hypothermia, and at the same time therapeutically orprophylactically treating a patient for a condition selected from thegroup consisting of hyperventilation, shock or hypoxia, wherein themethod comprising the steps of: providing a system of claim 1;delivering heated thermal fluid to the plurality of thermal fluidpassages of the body covering thereby providing active heat to the skinof the patient; delivering oxygen from the oxygen source to therespiratory system of the patient; monitoring one or more vital signs ofthe patient.
 22. A method of therapeutically or prophylacticallytreating a patient for hyperthermia and at the same time therapeuticallyor prophylactically treating a patient for a condition selected from thegroup consisting of hyperventilation, shock or hypoxia, wherein themethod comprising the steps of: providing a system of claim 1;delivering cooled thermal fluid to the plurality of thermal fluidpassages of the body covering thereby providing active heat to the skinof the patient; delivering oxygen from the oxygen source to therespiratory system of the patient; monitoring one or more vital signs ofthe patient.